Epping CID (ECID) central to the success of Epping

Epping CID

Epping CID. The Epping Community Improvement District (ECID) was established in 2003. Since then it has become the core of the well-functioning suburb of Epping Industria in Cape Town. (There are currently 36 Special Rated Areas (SRA’s) currently in operation in the City of Cape Town). 48 jobs have been created as a direct result of the establishment of the ECID . Especially relevant, property values have grown substantially. Businesses are flocking to this area. Epping Industria is the most central business location in Cape Town. The ECID is part of the overall success of Epping. Additionally, the newly formed Western Provice Park CID has recently appointed the Epping CID to manage WP Park.

The Epping CID is a Section 21 company and works together with the City of Cape Town in assisting with the essential services offered by municipalities. The cost of the additional services allows property owners the benefit of a well-managed business district.

Primary responsibilities of the Epping CID include:

Facilitate a cooperative approach between the city and private sector in the provision of municipal services.

Supplement and enhance the essential services offered by the City of Cape Town.

Assist with the upliftment of distressed business and mixed-use areas within Epping Industria.

Most of all, The SRA does not replace the services of the City of Cape Town. Rather, it supplements those areas as set out in the Business Plan.

Funding and Section 21 Company

Funding is by way of a levy that is charged over and above the municipal rates charged by the City of Cape Town. The City of CT collects this levy and hands it over to the Epping CID. Firm financial controls are in place with business plans and budgets. Most importantly, all financial matters are accounted for and audited each year. The current fiscal year (2017/2018) has a total expenditure proposed of R8,500,000.

The Section 21 company has seven directors representing the City of Cape town and property owners. Directors meet quarterly and all day to day operations are communicated via e-mail. The Board is elected at the AGM, where 1∕3 of the Board members stand down each year but may be re-elected.

Day-to-day operations are carried out by a small and efficient team based at offices at 24 Gunners Circle. As a result, Epping CID aims to ensure that visibility is at its optimal. Also, that there is a rapid response from the patrol teams and that all security vehicles are operative and presentable. Recommendations are submitted to the ECID Board after the security needs are assessed. The vehicles and quad bikes are monitored by the ECID. Requests, suggestions & instructions are given as and when required operationally.

Property owners have realised that a better function Epping CID enhances the overall Property Asset Management of one’s own portfolio. It thus adds value to both owners and businesses.

ECID Officers

The mobile security office is deployed at various hotspots in Epping. The Law Enforcement officers are dedicated to ECID. The officers will each be assigned to a security vehicle with a security officer. The Law Enforcement officers are on contract from the City of Cape Town. Their contracts are renewed on an annual basis. This has been a successful project with various by-law infringements being addressed on a daily basis. The Law Enforcement Officers have been instrumental in dealing with parking, dumping (especially around the areas of scrap metal dealers) and informal trading. They can undertake concerns that the ECID security is not authorised to.

Security Cameras

The camera initiative began in September 2010. There are now 16 PTZ cameras, 8 License Plate Recognition cameras and 18 Static cameras. There is 24-hour monitoring of all cameras. Monitoring is carried out by Stallion Security. The CCTV monitoring contract is reviewed annually. The Board will either renew the current service provider’s contract or appoint a new contractor. The installation of the CCTV system has proven to be a successful initiative. An increase of arrests, stolen vehicles being positively identified and drug related issues have been dealt with.

The ECID will enter into a maintenance agreement for all the cameras with a suitable service provider. The camera compliment consists of 16 PTZ cameras. Furthermore, cameras continue to be monitored 24/7. Daily, weekly and monthly reports are submitted to the ECID by the service provider. Due to contingency management, the ECID has two replacement PTZ’s to provide an uninterrupted service. 8 License Plate Recognition Cameras Weekly and monthly reports are submitted to the ECID by the service provider. Furthermore, there are 17 Static Cameras on the rail spurs and 1 in Admiral Crescent. Importantly, daily reports are provided to the ECID by the service provider.

The CCTV camera controllers, ECID Safety Officers & Law Enforcement are linked together using digital radios. Therefore, enabling a quick and more efficient response. All companies are sent a report highlighting class “A” incidents on a monthly basis. Further camera installations will be dependent on available funds. Currently, no provision is currently made to roll out any CCTV surveillance in WP Park.

Cleaning

The ECID provides a cleaning service to maintain the area. Specifications are drawn up for the cleaning contract. Tenders are obtained and considered annually. The Board will either renew the current Cleansing service provider’s contracts or appoint a new contractor. A weekly meeting is held with the manager/supervisor, and a report is presented. The current team consists of 1 manager, one supervisor, supported by 19 cleaners. The cleaning and maintaining grassed and tarred areas as well as general cleaning of the area is a high priority. Ensuring the area remains presentable. Removal of bags and heavy objects is by way of a bakkie. The verges are cut on a monthly basis, and general cleaning is done daily. The majority of the waste collected is redistributed through a recycling program. Additionally, monitoring the removal of dumping, the cleansing of Council green bins and Council open grassed areas. Finally, catch pit gulley’s are cleaned.

Public Safety

The Epping CID security officers operate 24/7. They utilise four branded vehicles and two quad bikes, manned in total by six officers. Additionally, two extra branded vehicles are operational Monday to Friday between 07h00 and 18h00.

Finally, all businesses receive the daily reports on a monthly summarised basis.

Testimonials

Management, AVI Ltd

During November we were a little stuck in finding an appropriate warehouse to relocate to. Epping Property did an extensive search in all the central industrial areas and eventually found our suitable premises and negotiated a deal that both ourselves and the landlord were very happy with.

2017-05-08T11:48:22+02:00

During November we were a little stuck in finding an appropriate warehouse to relocate to. Epping Property did an extensive search in all the central industrial areas and eventually found our suitable premises and negotiated a deal that both ourselves and the landlord were very happy with.

https://www.eppingproperty.co.za/testimonials/management-avi-ltd/

Director, Edge Properties

Epping Property persisted in helping us secure an industrial site for further development. Once we had purchased the property, Epping Property further assisted in finding a suitable tenant for the vacant portion of the property. We can highly recommend anyone looking to buy or rent property in Epping to deal with Epping Property.

2017-05-08T11:48:51+02:00

Epping Property persisted in helping us secure an industrial site for further development. Once we had purchased the property, Epping Property further assisted in finding a suitable tenant for the vacant portion of the property. We can highly recommend anyone looking to buy or rent property in Epping to deal with Epping Property.

Management, Truworths Limited

We are exceptionally happy with the purchase of both 22 and 26 Bertie Avenue in Epping. It makes 100% sense for our company to have secured this location. We will now be expanding the warehousing and distribution side of our business onto the properties. Thank you.

2017-05-08T11:49:17+02:00

We are exceptionally happy with the purchase of both 22 and 26 Bertie Avenue in Epping. It makes 100% sense for our company to have secured this location. We will now be expanding the warehousing and distribution side of our business onto the properties. Thank you.